Category Archives: Faith

What is the appeal of Jesus? Part 4: How did the person of Jesus acquire universal significance? : Jesus the ultimate sacrifice However, Christianity goes straight to the bottom line by giving us the ultimate sacrifice. God sacrificed himself in the person of Jesus in order for our sins to be forgiven. Note: This isContinue reading “What is the appeal of Jesus? Part 4”

What is the appeal of Jesus? Part 3: How did the person of Jesus acquire universal significance? : The basis in the impulse to make a sacrifice to atone for sin This transforming vision that the love of Christ lives on would, I think, explain Jesus’ appeal to the first disciples, but how did heContinue reading “What is the appeal of Jesus? Part 3”

What is the appeal of Jesus? Part 2: How to understand the resurrection today If the latter option (that the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection is the way to express the power of the new life that he has opened up to them) is what happened, then we too are free to believe in Jesus’ resurrectionContinue reading “What is the appeal of Jesus? Part 2”

What is the appeal of Jesus? (A theological exploration in 9 parts) Part 1: Turning crucifixion into resurrection When the first disciples met Jesus, they felt as though they were face to face with God. After due reflection, John summed this up in the words that Jesus is God’s only Son, who has made theContinue reading “What is the appeal of Jesus? Part 1”

The parable of the allotment Part 4 I think this parable is an accurate portrayal of the spiritual life. The bottom line is that the fruit is definitely real. The allotment is always near to hand once you’ve found where it is. The spiritual gifts bountifully and freely available within the spiritual sphere you’ve discoveredContinue reading “The parable of the allotment. Part 4”

The parable of the allotment Part 3 Now, earlier I claimed that this parable is completely true, and some people may think that this completely discredits the story because it just is not possible to claim with any certainty that God is real. So, let’s home in on the parable a bit more closely. IContinue reading “The parable of the allotment. Part 3”

The parable of the allotment Part 2 Now, this parable of the allotment is clearly really about God, and the gifts he gives. However, before anyone thinks, “Oh, so it’s not true then; it’s just a story about a made-up figure”, I need to emphasise that this parable is completely true. Well, maybe there’s oneContinue reading “The parable of the allotment. Part 2”

The parable of the allotment (Coming in 4 parts) Part 1 Imagine that a neighbour gives you a message one day. “Did you know that there’s an allotment in our area, where you can go and get free fruit and veg? Yes, it’s run by this old chap, Arthur, and he just loves growing things.Continue reading “The parable of the allotment. Part 1”

The journey of doubt Part 4 As I say, I have now answered these questions to my satisfaction, but I am concerned to answer them to the satisfaction of anyone concerned with truth. There has been the age-old battle between believers and atheists, but they tend to argue at cross-purposes. Believers say, “Take the leapContinue reading “The journey of doubt. Part 4”

The journey of doubt Part 3 So, I am alright! I have come through the valley of the shadow of doubt, and I don’t anticipate anything being able to knock my confidence in God. In this respect, I will be OK for the rest of my life. However, as someone very keen on the philosophicalContinue reading “The journey of doubt. Part 3”